the writing and photography of Neil Kramer

Never Trust Anyone Over 50

Next week is the TV industry’s "upfront" presentations in New York and many over age 50 are complaining that the broadcast networks are ignoring their demographic group (via the new Huffington Post).

Catering almost exclusively to the young might seem counterproductive. More than half the nation’s wealth is in the hands of people over 50, who spend an estimated $2 trillion a year on products and services.

But advertising experts say that when they aim commercials at young people, they also get older folks — while the opposite is rarely the case. People over 50 watch more TV and thus are easier for the networks to reach. The younger demo, busy with work and family and tempted by myriad entertainment choices, is more difficult to corral.

Of course, it’s easy to forget that it is this exact "Never Trust Anyone Over 30" demographic group who created (and got rich off of) the youth culture of the 60’s.  Karma, baby.

I’ve always thought cultures that look up to their elders make for a healthier society.  After all, one day, even the copywriters of Boost Mobile ads will be walking with canes.

3 Comments

  1. Richard

    Whenever I’m watching a cable station that re-runs an old TV show from my infancy (like SUGARFOOT or 77 SUNSET STRIP), it’s invariably interrupted by a commercial featuring an old geezer who has fallen down and can’t get up without help from Big Brother. It’s quietly disturbing to have the once-cool and sexy GIRL FROM UNCLE interrupted by ads for Depends.

  2. Neil

    Stefanie Powers as April Dancer… va va voom!

  3. Richard

    And just for saying that Neil — you win a FREE colostomy bag — IN COLOR!

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